Planning a New Build Garden Design

A new build garden presents a challenge to even the keenest of gardeners. You may find the garden is a big square of mud, or you may have been left with a lawn, but nothing else. For some people the idea of planning a new build garden is exciting. All that space to do whatever you want with! But for other people the challenge of a blank canvas can be overwhelming.

Creating a new build garden from scratch

The owners of this ‘blank canvas’  wanted to be surrounded with green, year round interest, colour, scent, height  an area for herbs and were very keen  to attract birds, bees and butterflies. They wanted a fairly low maintenance garden  to look  ‘established’ garden without having to wait for 20 years. The lack of privacy was an issue but the priority was what the garden would look  like when in it, the clients  wanted  to feel surrounded by garden – not fences and bare walls. They like evergreen, plants with variegated leaves and white flowers to stand out at sunset.

 A garden to attract wildlife

The whole premise of this garden was to create a sanctuary in a new estate – a little oasis for wildlife to soften the newness of the surrounding buildings and fences and to give something back to nature. The materials were therefore chosen to soften the surrounding. The bound gravel pathways give a soft, natural feel and are more practical than local shingle on a slope.

The retaining sleepers set on edge were chosen again as a natural material and to match the wooden pergola.

The design challenges  the boundaries of the space, making it appear bigger and begging discovery. Our clients wanted a very natural cottage look, which the planting reflects.

Plants were chosen to give different heights, textures and soothing colours. All the plants are attractive to pollinators and bulbs will be added this autumn to give early interest and valuable nectar for pollinators.

For more ideas and garden design inspiration for your new build garden visit our transformation page.